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African Walnut

Coula edulisfam. Fabaceae
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edibletall treesedibleedible fruitedible seednative africashade toleranttree
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Coula edulis (African Walnut) — botanical photograph
Pl. 5251 — Coula edulis
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Overview

African Walnut, scientifically known as Coula edulis and belonging to the Fabaceae family, is a large tree native to the tropical regions of West and Central Africa, including Benin, Cabinda, Cameroon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Zaïre. This tree thrives in habitats that offer light to partial shade with moist soil, which can be either sandy, medium, or clay-like. It is hardy in zones 10-12 and can grow up to 20 meters tall. The African Walnut is highly valued for its edible seed, making it an important food source in local communities. The tree's adaptability to various soil types while still requiring moisture makes it a versatile addition to diverse ecosystems. Additionally, the African Walnut has practical utility as a fire starter and lumber source, with its seeds also being used to produce oil. In cultivation, African Walnut thrives best in full to partial sun and requires moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). For propagation, seeds are the preferred method. Ensuring adequate moisture is crucial for optimal growth.

Quick answers

What is African Walnut?

African Walnut, scientifically known as Coula edulis and belonging to the Fabaceae family, is a large tree native to the tropical regions of West and Central Africa, including Benin, Cabinda, Cameroon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Zaïre.

Compare with:African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree→Allanblackia parviflora→Checkerbloom→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

African Walnut thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12 and grows up to 20 meters tall. For propagation, seeds are the preferred method. Ensure the plant has adequate moisture and well-draining soil for best growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
20.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow African Walnut for the first time

8steps

Start with planting an African Walnut seedling in a sunny spot, and you'll have a low-maintenance tree that can grow to be quite large.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    African Walnut (Coula edulis) seedling or seeds, potting mix, container for transplanting if needed.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring when the last frost has passed and temperatures are consistently above 10°C.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Ensure containers have drainage holes if you're planting in one.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant seedlings into the garden after hardening off for a week, or sow seeds directly where they will grow.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun to partial shade. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, especially in hot weather. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune young trees to shape them and remove dead branches. Harvest seeds for planting once they are ripe and fall from the tree.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Planting in heavy clay soil, overwatering, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting to prune, and using too much fertilizer.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Oil, Condiment
Other uses:Fire starterLumberoil
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

12 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 12 native
Africa9 regions
native (9)BeninCameroonCôte d'IvoireEquatorial GuineaGabonGhanaLiberiaNigeriaSierra Leone
Broader regions
native:Cabinda, Congo, Zaïre
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Coula edulis (African Walnut) — botanical photograph
African Walnut (Coula edulis)
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See also

8 related
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Explore further

XII

About this entry

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